Kevin De Bruyne Set for Free Transfer Back to Chelsea – How the Blues Managed the Surprise Move
Kevin De Bruyne’s rise in football stands as a powerful example of a player flourishing after being let go by a top club. Chelsea once had the Belgian midfielder on their roster, but they might now regret allowing him to leave in 2014. During his stint at Stamford Bridge, De Bruyne featured only nine times in the 2012–2013 season and was never given a real chance to shine.
Seeking regular playing time, he was loaned to Werder Bremen in 2012, where he impressed with 10 goals and 10 assists over 36 appearances. Despite this standout season, Chelsea sold him to Wolfsburg in 2014 for around £18 million.
In Germany, De Bruyne’s career took off. He played a pivotal role in Wolfsburg’s success, winning both the German Cup and Super Cup. His performances earned him the Bundesliga Player of the Year award in 2015, which led to a £54.5 million move to Manchester City.
Since joining City, De Bruyne has been a central figure in the team’s dominance, contributing to six Premier League titles, five Carabao Cups, two FA Cups, and a UEFA Champions League trophy. These honors have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest midfielders in the league’s history.
Ex-Chelsea and England star Ashley Cole recently voiced the opinion that De Bruyne could still bring value to Chelsea, even with his injury record. Cole emphasized that De Bruyne’s experience, intelligence, and leadership would strengthen the current squad, even if he’s limited to 30 games a season.
With 106 goals and 176 assists in 414 career matches, De Bruyne’s numbers speak for themselves. For Chelsea, letting him go remains one of their most significant missteps—especially now that the elite midfielder could be heading back to the Bridge on a free transfer.
